Group 1 - The "one-price" model for ride-hailing services has gained popularity due to its price transparency and budget control, providing a sense of certainty for passengers [1][2] - Behavioral economics suggests that people prefer certain outcomes over uncertain ones, a phenomenon known as "certainty effect" or "loss aversion," which influences passenger choices in ride-hailing scenarios [1][2] - The "one-price" model effectively transfers price volatility risks from consumers to drivers, leading to a situation where passenger cost certainty results in driver income uncertainty [2][3] Group 2 - The recent halting of the "one-price" model in multiple regions highlights the need for sustainable certainty that does not rely solely on unilateral risk transfer [2] - A more effective solution may involve leveraging technology and regulations to create a collaborative mechanism among passengers, drivers, and platforms that shares uncertainties and ensures mutual benefits [3] - The overall health of the interconnected system is essential for lasting peace of mind, rather than relying on zero-sum games at individual levels [3]

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent halt of the "fixed price" model for ride-hailing services in multiple regions, highlighting its popularity among consumers but contrasting feedback from drivers who find it less favorable due to fixed pricing and lower earnings, especially in non-first-tier cities [2] - Volkswagen Group has appointed Ludwig Fazel as the new head of group strategy, product strategy, and general secretariat, effective December 1, 2025, indicating a strategic shift within the company [2] - The Economic Daily emphasizes the trend of collaboration between ICT leaders like Huawei and traditional automakers, suggesting that such partnerships can reduce redundant investments and enhance efficiency, while also raising concerns about resource allocation and product differentiation [2][3] Group 2 - The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reports a steady increase in new car sales in the EU, with electric vehicles and hybrid cars leading the market; electric vehicle sales reached 1.4734 million units with a market share of 16.4%, while hybrid vehicles totaled 3.1094 million units with a market share of 34.6% [2]

Core Viewpoint - The "one-price" model in the ride-hailing industry, initially favored for its price transparency, is now facing controversy due to its suspension in multiple regions, highlighting a shift from innovation to a dilemma caused by a singular focus on price competition, neglecting driver rights, service quality, and sustainable industry development [1] Group 1: Issues with the Current Model - The "one-price" model has devolved into a low-price competition logic, where platforms continuously lower fixed prices, sometimes below operational costs, leading to a "price spiral" [1] - This model, while seemingly benefiting consumers with lower prices, transfers cost pressures onto drivers, resulting in reduced income and service motivation [1] - The normalization of "more work for less pay" forces drivers to either reduce their working hours or lower service quality, ultimately harming passenger experience and long-term industry growth [1] Group 2: Proposed Solutions - To resolve the current dilemma, it is essential to abandon the "price-only" mindset and reconstruct a multi-dimensional value balance system [2] - Establishing a minimum income guarantee for drivers, as explored in cities like Nanjing, is crucial for ensuring fair compensation and stabilizing service supply and quality [2] - Platforms should eliminate mandatory order acceptance rules, allowing drivers to choose whether to accept "one-price" orders based on their circumstances, thus respecting their autonomy [2] Group 3: Enhancing Service Value - There is a need to promote a reasonable match between service value and price, replacing low-price competition with differentiated competition [2] - Platforms can segment service scenarios based on passenger needs, creating diverse products such as a "commuter one-price" for price transparency, a "fast comfort order" for business travel with higher service standards, and a "barrier-free travel order" for specialized services [2] - This differentiation can create a positive correlation between price and service quality, catering to various consumer groups and steering market competition back to rationality [2] Group 4: Regulatory Role - Regulatory bodies should guide the market to prevent platforms from abusing their market position to enforce low prices while allowing space for reasonable value innovation [3] - The government can refer to guidelines from the National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation to clarify service standards and the relationship between price and service quality [3] - Encouraging platforms to explore pricing mechanisms based on service quality and passenger feedback can facilitate the industry's transition from "price competition" to "value competition" [3] Group 5: Long-term Vision - The value of the ride-hailing industry should not be defined solely by price but should also encompass reasonable driver rights, quality passenger experiences, and sustainable industry development [3] - Breaking free from the constraints of a singular value perspective is key to creating a win-win ecosystem for platforms, drivers, and passengers [3] - Achieving high-quality development in the ride-hailing industry requires balancing multiple values to provide convenient, quality, and sustainable transportation services to the public [3]

Core Viewpoint - The "one-price" model in ride-hailing services has transformed from a consumer protection mechanism to a tool for price competition, leading to dissatisfaction among drivers and a decline in service quality [1][2][3] Regulatory Actions - Several cities, including Xi'an and Kaifeng, have implemented measures to ban the "one-price" model, aiming to address chaotic low-price competition in the ride-hailing market [1][4] - The Nanjing Transportation Bureau has proposed a draft regulation that includes a minimum hourly income for drivers, marking a significant step in protecting driver rights [4] Industry Dynamics - The "one-price" model, initially designed to protect consumers from unfair practices, has now become a primary method for price competition, resulting in an increase in its order share and driver dissatisfaction [2][3] - Major platforms are engaging in a price war, which benefits consumers in the short term but threatens the long-term viability of the industry by harming driver earnings and service quality [3] Driver Concerns - Drivers report that the "one-price" model leads to increased workload without corresponding income growth, as the revenue from such orders often only covers driving costs [3] - The implementation of performance-based incentives by platforms forces drivers to accept "one-price" orders, further exacerbating their dissatisfaction [3] National Guidelines - The National Development and Reform Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation have issued guidelines to combat price disorder in the market, emphasizing the need for fair competition and adherence to pricing standards [4]